Today we thought we'd show you nine completely different Dessy weddings, with bridesmaids dressed in nine completely different styles of dress.  

We know girls have different figures, different complexions and different personalities - which is why we offer such a variety of different designs, different necklines, different lengths, different fabrics, different colours. 

But the best way of showing you this is by showing happy bridesmaids who know they are looking gorgeous. 

Let's see how these brides got the look. 

1. Rocking the Dessy twist wrap dress in greys

Look at the top left picture and you'll see the bride with her entourage of maids all dressed in our ever-popular Twist Wrap dress. She's let them each choose slightly different shades of silver and grey and most importantly, let them wrap the necklines themselves so they are showing off their best features. No wonder they are smiling. All these frocks are floor length, which provides visual continuity and best of all, these frocks are going to be taken out from the closet again and again. Twist wrap dresses are just so versatile! 

2. Halter necklines 

Moving to the right we see our bride has dressed her maids in Dessy halterneck bridesmaids frocks in aubergine - with a pearl choker detail. What a stylist!

3. A masterclass in ombre

Look below and you'll see how to get ombre in shades of mauve and purple absolutely right. Again, this gives you the opportunity to let your maids choose a color that suits them best - and again they've all got different necklines on their frocks (so they are doubly happy). Check out Dessy frocks in Passion, Tahiti, Dahlia and Plum shades to get a similar look. 

4. Delicate pinks

To the right is the quintessential wedding in soft pinks. A light pink or blush demands a soft flowing fabric to set it off beautifully and we love this chiffon bridesmaid style chosen here. So perfect for a romantic summer wedding day.

5. Making pastels work harder

This bride really thought it through. She styled up her big day to perfection by getting the bridegroom and groomsmen to wear pale grey suits that worked perfectly with her bridesmaids pale pink gowns. We love this. (Get the bridesmaid look here).

6. Adding drama

This is one chic and sophisticated wedding day. Groomsmen in classic black. Bridesmaids in long column gowns in Persian Plum. A color combo that makes for awesome wedding photographs. 

7. Sparkling sequins

To our left we have a bridesmaid frocks in sequins. Because we think sequins are just too pretty and perfect to be kept for evening affairs. Why not sparkle your way through the afternoon and carry on as the sun goes down? Get the look with a Dessy sequinned bridesmaid gown here.

8. Periwinkle blues

Look up. Having a rustic style wedding day? This bride chose simple periwinkle blue bridesmaid gowns for her maids, offset with classic white and pink flowers. Timeless, pretty perfection ... Get the Dessy look here.

9. It doesn't have to be a bridesmaid dress

If you're not sure - mix it up with different tops and skirts, in different styles and fabrics. We have sequinned bridesmaid tops, chiffon tops, or you could have a sequinned top with a chiffon skirt. And just about any color you can think of. Or maybe some maids wear a dress, the others mix it up. As choices go, this is a happy one. 

All these real wedding images from Dessy Facebook page - follow us here (if you don't already!)

(Image credit: Gold and glam wedding via Wedding Chicks)

Do you love a bit of glamor? A bit of bling? A bit of sparkle? Then check out our ideas for dressing your bridesmaids so that they shimmer and shine! 

A chic city wedding? 

If you're getting married in the city and you're having an evening do, then this is a good chance to let your bridesmaids wear some gorgeous sequinned frocks. (In fact, so gorgeous that they are sure to want to keep them handy in their closet again for another special event). 

At Dessy we've created fabulous frocks just like this, with some different neckline options and in different lengths. You can also mix and match the skirts - have a sequin top with a chiffon skirt or a plain top with a sweep of floor sweeping skirt. It's up to you. It's your day. Your style. 

How about this beautiful sequinned dress by Dessy for your maids? (It also comes in midnight blue and silver.)

You don't have to do long and sweeping either. Maybe you're having a smart afternoon do in a garden. In which case look at some of our frocks like 57 Grand Style 5712 shown above. This comes in a cocktail length and the fabric has just a whisper of shimmer. It would look wonderful on a sunny afternoon as well as at an evening event. 

These are gowns that your bridesmaids (and you) are just going to fall in love with. 

Think about accessories too. Who said you have to wear white or cream shoes with your wedding dress? Continue through the glitzy theme by adding some sparkle to your wedding shoes - just let them peep out from underneath your dress. (We're thinking about Dorothy's ruby slippers - but in gold, silver or platinum.)

What about your flower girls?

We know that your young attendants want to look really pretty too and wear something special - that will be a younger version of what the older bridesmaids are wearing. 

Which is why Dessy designed frocks for your flowergirls and junior bridesmaids, fitted to suit younger figures. Below you can see Flowergirl Style 4055 (which comes in midnight blue and silver too)   and Dessy Collection Junior Bridesmaid Style JR534 which comes in a number of colors. 

If you're having a non-religious wedding - that is, if you're tying the knot in a register office, at a country house hotel, in a barn, outside in a vineyard or even on board ship - it's important to remember that you will need to choose non-religious readings (as anything religious isn't permitted at a civil ceremony marriage).

(Photo by Megan Saul Photography via Green Wedding Shoes)

Plenty of choice for wedding readings

The good news is that there are absolutely masses of poems, excerpts from films and books to choose from and there's certainly to be one or two that have just the words you want to say to one another.

Who will be best at reading aloud?

Think carefully about who you ask to give your readings - you need somebody who is used to public speaking - who won't become tongue-tied and shy when they're confronted by a room full of expectant faces. So although your young niece or nephew is very cute - make sure that they're up to the job beforehand and have lots of practice!

Also remember to read out the title of the piece and where it's from.

A classical love poem

First off, we have a classical piece by the Elizabeth courtier Sir Philip Sidney who lived from 1554 to 1586. He was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I and wrote the following love poem below which says everything.

My true-love hath my heart, and I have his,
By just exchange one for the other given:
I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss;
There never was a bargain better driven.
His heart in me keeps me and him in one,
My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides;
He loves my heart for once it was his own;
I cherish his because in me it bides.
His heart his wound received from my sight;
My heart was wounded with his wounded heart;
For as from me on him his hurt did light,
So still methought in me his hurt did smart:
Both equal hurt, in this change sought our bliss,
My true love hath my heart and I have his.

And something a little more modern

You could also use the words Julia Roberts' character speaks in 'The Runaway Bride' when she talks about the life she and her loved one would have together.

I guarantee that we'll have tough times. And I guarantee that at some point, one or both of us will want to get out. But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. Because I know in my heart you are the only one for me.

Or to raise a smile

John Cooper Clarke is a punk poet and this poem he wrote about 30 years ago has certainly stood the test of time - and it's certain to raise a laugh (in the right way).

I wanna be your vacuum cleaner
breathing in your dust
I wanna be your Ford Cortina
I will never rust
If you like your coffee hot
let me be your coffee pot
You call the shots
I wanna be yours

I wanna be your raincoat
for those frequent rainy days
I wanna be your dreamboat
when you want to sail away
Let me be your teddy bear
take me with you anywhere
I don't care
I wanna be yours

I wanna be your electric meter
I will not run out
I wanna be the electric heater
you'll get cold without
I wanna be your setting lotion
hold your hair in deep devotion
Deep as the deep Atlantic ocean
that's how deep is my devotion

A passage from “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

When he looked into her eyes, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke — the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love.

Something older than humanity, more ancient than the desert. What the boy felt at that moment was that he was in the presence of the only woman in his life, and that, with no need for words, she recognized the same thing. Because when you know the language, it’s easy to understand that someone in the world awaits you, whether it’s in the middle of the desert or in some great city.

And when two such people encounter each other, the past and the future become unimportant. There is only that moment, and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love, and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, one’s dreams would have no meaning.

Or what about a bit of Hemingway?

“Maybe...you'll fall in love with me all over again."
"Hell," I said, "I love you enough now. What do you want to do? Ruin me?"
"Yes. I want to ruin you."
"Good," I said. "That's what I want too.”
― Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms

Finally, here's a reading that says what marriage is - beautifully

A Wedding Message (Amanda Bradley)

To love is to share life together.
To build special plans just for two.
To work side by side,
And then smile with pride
As, one by one, dreams all come true.

To love is to help and encourage
With smiles and sincere words of praise.
To take time to share.
To listen and care
In tender, affectionate ways.

To love is to have someone special
On whom you can always depend
To be there through the years,
Sharing laughter and tears
As a partner, a lover, a friend.

To love is to make special memories
Of moments you love to recall.
Of all the good things
That married life brings,
Love is the greatest of all.

What readings are you planning for your wedding day? Have you any that you could share with us?

Don't fancy ivory or white for your wedding dress? Well blush is feminine, chic, sophisticated and timeless. 



Celebs who have opted for blush on their big day include:

• Anne Hathaway
• Reese Witherspoon
• Jessica Biel
• Emily Deschanel

Blush for your bridesmaids

Both dark and fair skin tones suit blush. You may think pink and redheads is a no-no, but in fact, the combo can work beautifully. 

You never really know what's going to suit until you put a color sample up against your face - and Dessy makes it easy for you to do this with its color swatches.

(From top left: After Six Prom Dress Hayley, After Six Bridesmaids Style 1505, Social Bridesmaid Style 8178)

Second-time around?

If you're getting married again and don't want to wear white or ivory, then a wedding gown in soft blush could be just perfect. It will look and feel suitably bridal but that little bit different as well. 

Blush works beautifully with vintage style wedding dresses - maybe go for something cut in a 1920s style, a 1930's bias cut or a 1950's full tulle knee-length number.

Blush also goes superbly with metallics - so you could opt for gold or silver wedding shoes, or add a metallic detail to your gown. 

Accessorising

Adding a hint of this delicate hue to your bridal ensemble is easy to do. Make a strong style statement in pale pink satin pumps. Go for a rosy glow with delicate rose quartz earrings or a semi-precious stone ring. Finally, add a dramatic touch of blush to your bridal ensemble with a luscious bouquet done in pale pink peonies or voluminous ranunculus flowers.

Blush with DessyIf you've decided that blush is the way ahead for your wedding day, then you'll be delighted with the choice of bridesmaid gowns that Dessy offers in this shade. Cocktail and full length designs, strapless, with sleeves, halter neck - there are styles to suit every girl. You might also like to check out our rose gold bridesmaid dresses.

If you're an Italian then you'll know what we're talking about when we say 'Venetian Hour'.

But if you're not, then we think it's a fabulous tradition that you really should know about.

 

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A customary part of an Italian wedding day 

The first thing you should know, is that a Venetian hour is a delicious - and filling - Italian wedding tradition 

• It is held towards the end of an Italian wedding
• A large buffet of pastries, cakes, fruits, liqueurs and coffee are served along with the wedding cake
• An Italian hour usually has a room to itself in its honor
• It makes a great chill-out room away from the wedding music 

 

A post shared by pamela saverina (@permerler) on Apr 22, 2017 at 9:32pm PDT

Would it fit into your wedding budget?

A Venetian hour is designed to be lavish and it's not something you can skimp on. Although it's a lovely idea, many brides dismiss it as it's a) an extra expense b) guests will probably not be feeling particularly hungry by this point.

How much does it cost? While the price varies for each reception hall, it could cost the bride and groom an extra $1,000 from the overall cost of the wedding. If you are a couple that wants to have this as part of your wedding, check to see if it is included in the overall cost of the wedding.

An alternative to Venetian hour

If you aren't holding your wedding in a traditional reception hall, you could create a simple dessert table that may not cost nearly as much as it would if you were to do a lavish Venetian hour.

Traditionally at a Venetian table (or tables for that matter), you can find such desserts like Napoleans, cannoli, cheesecake, Tiramisu, chocolate fountains, ice cream sundaes, after dinner liquors and maybe even a cigar table for the men. Some go so far to create stations of different desserts and treats.

Cakes, cupcakes and cookies galore! This is a Venetian hour you would definitely want to attend! Images featured on GreenWeddingShoes.com.

Some brides will opt out of a Venetian hour and just have a platter of cookies at each table alongside the wedding cake. At some Italian weddings, family members will bake cookies in order to cut this cost. At many Italian weddings today, you can find that couples are stepping away from the traditional "Venetian hour" fare, and making it fun with candy tables, popcorn or even after dinner snacks.

When you're styling your wedding, take a trick from an interior decorator. Interior designers often choose a color palette of neutrals because it gives the perfect backdrop. They then add pops of colour with accessories like cushions, curtains and rugs.

You can take a leaf out of their book when you're creating your wedding colors and choose nudes and neutrals.

Neutrals form a perfect color palette

"Hmm" you may think. "But neutrals - aren't they a little dull and unadventurous?" 

Well hardly. What you have to do is think of neutrals as a base from which you can be as subtle or as attention-grabbing as you want. 

Just hear and see how real bride Johanna B styled her day in neutrals with Dessy frocks ...

"I wanted my bridesmaids in a neutral color with some sparkle so I customized these dresses, choosing the topaz color with oyster lace overlay. This made the flowers POP! My MOH is wearing the strapless Dessy 2865. And that's my bridesman standing with us!" - Johanna B.

Briggs Photography

That's a real wedding that's beautiful and memorable. 

The trick is to use pops of color with neutrals. 

Here bride Johanna has chosen colorful bouquets for her maids to add a feature. You could follow her lead, or choose colorful shoes for your bridesmaids (or they could be in metallics of bronze, silver or gold). 

Neutral shades

There are many different shades of neutrals to choose from - and they all blend in well together. Here are some colors to be thinking about.

• Blush
• Cameo
• Oyster
• Taupe
• Frost

It's the perfect example of when you don't have to choose just one color but can opt for several. And that gives you the opportunity to select hues which will suit your individual bridesmaids' complexions and hair coloring.

Add color accents with shoes, clutch bags, maybe a pashmina and hair accessories. Diamante and rhinestones often work well with neutrals, so look out for shoes and bags with sparkly detail.

This color theme works year round - spring, summer and winter - possibly not autumn so much. But that's another story ...

Did you watch the Emmy's last week? 

It's definitely one of my guilty pleasures - watching the outfits the A-listers turn up in. Some looking amazing ... others not so much. Yes, in some cases there was most certainly a bit of 'sack the stylist' going on, but we're not going to say who! 

If you loved some of the looks, you'll be pleased to hear that you can find something very similar for your maids with Dessy. So if you're a bridesmaid and your bride is letting you decide on your own style of frock, then you might like to browse through some of the options below. And of course, Dessy being Dessy, there are hundreds of color choices. 

 

Red dress goals! Rate @selenagomez dress on a scale of 1-10. #Emmys

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 Mind you, we think Selena Gomez has pretty much nailed it here. Love this dark red satin gown, beautifully cut and a fabulous fit. The color suits her complexion perfectly.

(Styles above left to right: Alfred Sung D542, Alfred Sung D538) 

You can get a similar look with Dessy. The color here is Firecracker  - lots of different styles to consider. It's a great choice for a girl with dark hair - so if you've got a bridesmaid who has that kind of a look, why not see if she wants to channel Miss Gomez?   

 

On the blog today: all about my EMMY's dress & how to get a look just like it! Styled by @madisonguest ✨📸 @frazerkh @gettyentertainment • link in bio • www.nastialiukin.com #emmys #styledbymadisonguest

A post shared by Nastia Liukin (@nastialiukin) on Sep 24, 2017 at 4:31pm PDT

Completely different vibe going on right now. It's floaty, long and oh so romantic. We think this would look fabulous at an evening wedding - either in summer or in winter. Dessy has some similar styles so you can get the look.  Check out Dessy Collection Skirt S2977 and Dessy After Six Prom Dress

Here's how to get the Nicole Kidman look with Dessy. 

(Styles above left to right: After Six 1502, Alfred Sung D732)

 

17.09 📸 | Katherine Langford via Instagram Stories: "E Big Little Lies". {#katherinelangford #13reasonswhy #hannahbaker #emmy #emmys #netflix #actress #actor #aussie #instagood #redcarpet #event #video #photography #photo #pic #picture #sanfrancisco #ca #california #cali}

A post shared by Katherine Langford Brasil (@bralangford) on Sep 25, 2017 at 10:08am PDT

 

#ViolaDavis, #TheWades, and #LaverneCox are #Emmy ready 👏🏾 (swipe) 📸: @gettyimages

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Fabulous frock by Viola Davis. We are all over this look. You can channel Viola's elegance with style with these two gorgeously elegant designs in flame ...

(Styles above left to right: Junior Bridesmaid JR531, Jenny Yoo JY515)

(Photography via Wedding Chicks)

Rich, dramatic, flattering, versatile - burgundy is a gorgeous wedding color choice, particularly if you're not a pastel kind of a gal. 

• You're having a Fall wedding and burgundy is the color of berries
• Long burgundy bridesmaid dresses would look so chic at your evening wedding
• You like the idea of a deep claret colored wedding cake
• Burgundy shoes under your wedding gown have a certain appeal
• Deep, burgundy roses just say something to you
• Winter is coming and that's when your wedding is - and a burgundy shade would add a warming depth to surroundings

And that's just for starters ...

(Image credits: All images via Wedding Chicks Fall Wedding. Bridesmaid dress style 2911 via Dessy.)

Other shades to describe burgundy are claret, wild berry, ruby, aubergine ... and they all blend beautifully together if you want to mix it up a bit. We're thinking maybe an ombre kind of a look? A good tool to help you work out your color palette are Dessy's inexpensive Pantone wedding tools. Blend the shades you like together and mix them up to suit your tastes. 

The bride above chosen slightly different shades of burgundy for each of her maids - a subtle difference, which also helped each bridesmaid to choose a color to suit their skin tone. And which adds a certain depth of creativity and interest to your wedding photographs. (You'll find plenty of burgundy bridesmaid dresses to consider here on Dessy.com.)

It's probably a good time to set up your own Pinterest board too - and you can keep it private of course. At Dessy we LOVE Pinterest and are always pinning ideas for brides on our boards. Play around with some burgundy wedding looks you find online - and of course this page is a good start!

In your wedding bouquet you can go for block burgundy impact as above - or add some shading with blush roses and leaves, like the brides here. 

(Photo credits: Burgundy bridesmaid dress style JR535 via Dessy, all other images via Wedding Chicks)

Burgundy wedding themes let you have fun with your wedding food too. 

• You could serve dark red themed cocktails as your guests arrive at the reception 
• Have a dark red themed dessert table or candy bar
• Serve warm mulled wine at a winter wedding
• Have a dark red velvet wedding cake

It's your Big Day and everyone is looking at you girl. Your wedding dress is beautiful, your hair perfect and the man of your dreams is waiting for you at the end of the aisle. But ... a key bit of advice for the bride here.

You need to be gliding down that aisle elegantly - like a Princess. It's said that the Duchess of Cambridge took deportment lessons before she walked down the aisle of Westminster Abbey in London to marry Prince William, with the eyes of The World upon her. (And who can blame her?)

You don't want to walk like a pudding

Don't march down the aisle, head down, shoulders hunched, as though you're on your way to work on a dreary Monday morning in the rain.

(Check here for musical inspiration to walk down the aisle.)

What's the point of wearing a beautiful dress, gorgeous shoes and having all that preparation if you're going to ruin it with your posture?

Learn to walk tall. We asked for some tips and advice from a model who walks regularly for some top designers. She said:

• It is hard to be elegant if you're not comfortable. Give some thought to how your dress and wedding shoes will feel - not only on the walk from the car and up the aisle, but also how you're going to manage standing, meeting and greeting your guests and the other activities your big day will demand.
• Grace and poise will not be achieved if you are a bundle of tension! Before your hair is done, take 10 minutes in a quiet room to lie on your back with your knees bent and give yourself some space. Support your head on a couple of paperback books. Let your mind clear, and your thoughts come back to yourself. It is the last chance you will have to do this in the whole day - it is SO important!
• Allow any tightness to dissipate from your neck, head and shoulders, and notice if you are 'pulling in' or tensing around your hip area. Be aware of your breath filling your lungs to their full capacity, and exhale freely.
• As you step into the limelight, hold onto this calm and peace you have found. Think of your neck as free of tension, and your head elegantly and lightly poised. Be aware of length in your spine and allow your knees to move freely forward from your hips. Remember not to grip anything you are holding, but to have as light a touch as is needed, so that your arms are not bunched into your shoulders.
• You might like to start taking a Pilates class before your wedding day. It's a good way to destress, will stretch out your limbs and also you'll become more aware of your posture, pulling in your core and standing with your shoulders back.

Photo credit: Ryan Flynn photography via The Wedding Chicks